Satori Smiles

The past few months I’ve noticed that Satori is relatively enthusiastic about spelling (we’re talking about a 4 year old who only can read CVC type stuff yet, although today she did read her first 6 word sentence!) It never occurred to me to work with her on that. But now I realize that it can be helpful in learning how to read as well. After months of lurking on homeschooling forums, I chose this program – All About Spelling (AAS). It looks like a fun, yet effective, multisensory way to teach spelling.

So I ordered the AAS Level 1 and Starter Kit, which includes the letter tiles and magnets, which I had to cut and put together.

The things you will need that are optional but highly recommended, are a 2′x3′ MAGNETIC white board and an index card file box. Some people might find it painful to buy an expensive white board this big, but I’m such an office supply geek that I couldn’t wait to find the perfect board. This one sits on the floor of our carpeted loft so we can learn spelling sitting together on the floor. (It will also hang on a wall too.) It tucks away and sits propped up under Satori’s desk when done.

Magnetic white board for AAS

The program comes with sheets of perforated paper that you tear apart and file away in an index card box. Here we chose one of our sparkliest boxes to make it more appealing. There’s quite a lot of Flashcards, they barely fit in our little box.  Here you’ll be able to organize phonograms, sounds, words, rules and so on, so you’ll know what you have to review, what is mastered, and what is yet to be taught.

AAS file box

The magnetic letter tiles you aren’t using can be stored away in little bags for later use, or wait for Level 2. (I had my own zip-bags I used.)

Here’s a sample lesson.

Sample lesson

So far we’ve done just two lessons, but Satori and I are loving it so far! I’m really excited about using this program, and think it will help with learning to read. Learning to spell would of course be a good thing too!

Now that we are getting excited about math and MUS program, it was time to give our blocks a new home, instead of their cardboard box they came in. I’d been lusting after the wooden box that Math-U-See sells on their website, but balked at the $40 price. So yesterday we took a trip to The Container Store and found this Small Hobby Case for just $14.99. It turned out perfect!

Math-U-See blocks

(Click on photos for full-size.)

There is a spot just the right size for almost all the 11 size MUS blocks. Only one compartment shares two blocks, but if I was very anal, I could purchase a small divider to separate them. I used my handy Label Maker to churn out labels in fun fonts so we know where the blocks go.

Blocks in container

Like a little tackle box, it folds up neatly.

And is just the right size/weight for four year old hands to pick up and tote around.

Toted in 4 year old's little hands

Because we’ll be starting MUS Alpha by this fall, or possibly August, I purchased the Completer Set of blocks, bringing our set of blocks to at least 10 pieces of each, with 40 green Unit blocks. This tote will hold all but 5 of the huge Hundreds blocks. Most spaces will allow the complete set to fit PERFECTLY, some will have to stack on top of each other like Legos, but they’ll still all fit nicely when the box is closed. We should get the extra blocks next week, and of course I’ll update with a picture of our full MUS Block box.